Social Science & Policy Research
Conduct social science research and policy analysis for organizations
Overview
Social researchers generate $120,000-$1,000,000 annually with 75-90% margins.
In 2025, evidence-based policy requires social research.
Revenue from policy research and analysis ($10,000-$100,000), program evaluation and assessment ($15,000-$150,000), social impact research ($10,000-$75,000), needs assessments and community research ($8,000-$60,000), survey research and analysis, and policy briefs and reports.
Successful researchers use rigorous social science methods, conduct qualitative and quantitative research, analyze social and demographic data, evaluate program outcomes and impact, and present findings for policy decisions.
Government, nonprofits, and foundations as clients.
Marketing through policy networks, evaluation associations, social science credentials, government and nonprofit sectors, and published policy research.
Required Skills
- Social Science Research
- Policy Analysis
- Program Evaluation
- Qualitative Methods
- Quantitative Analysis
- Research Design
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High fees for research and evaluation
- Support evidence-based policy and programs
- Multiple government and nonprofit clients
- Leverage social science expertise
- Growing emphasis on program evaluation
Cons
- Need advanced social science credentials
- Government and nonprofit budget constraints
- Research projects lengthy and complex
- Grant-funded work may be inconsistent
- Competition from research institutions
How to Get Started
- Build social science research credentials
- Develop research and evaluation methodologies
- Build government and nonprofit networks
- Market to agencies and foundations
- Design research and evaluation studies
- Conduct data collection and analysis
- Deliver research findings and policy recommendations
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